The foundation was set up in 2008 to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

It started with a target of raising £500,000 but that sum was reached in just seven weeks.

Magpies hero Alan Sharer praised the efforts of everyone involved, saying: “I’m proud to be a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and I’ve been privileged to meet some amazing people through the charity.

“Cancer affects everybody differently. For some people, like Sir Bobby, it becomes a challenge. We all know that sometimes it’s just not possible to beat the disease, but I’ve met lots of people who have dug in regardless.

“People know that by helping the foundation, they’re helping others who will have cancer in years to come.

“The work the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has funded over the past five years is incredible and really pushing the boundaries of how we detect and treat cancer.

“I’ve no doubts the next five years will be just as positive and bring even more advances.

“My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this fantastic team effort. I’m sure Sir Bobby would be humbled and very proud at his charity’s ongoing success.”

The foundation funds projects within the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which directly benefit cancer patients from across the North East and Cumbria, including clinical trials.

It has equipped the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at Newcastle’s Northern Centre for Cancer Care and funded a specialist clinical research nurse and research doctor within it.

The foundation has also funded leukaemia laboratory research equipment and contributed to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary teenage cancer unit.

More than 1,000 patients have been treated on clinical trials and an additional 1,000 patients have been enrolled in other research studies, studying the biology and genetics of cancer to help develop and improve treatments.

Prof Ruth Plummer, Sir Bobby’s oncologist and director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, said: “Sir Bobby always had an eye on what we could do if we raised more than £500,000. I think he’d be amazed at just how much more we’ve been able to do.

“Sir Bobby was a great inspiration to everyone at the Sir Bobby Centre and his charity is a legacy worthy of his name. We’re grateful to him every day.”

The former England and Newcastle United manager died in 2009 aged 76 after bravely battling cancer for the fifth time.

Sir Bobby said he would give up a year of his life to the charity. But he became so passionate about it that, despite being very ill, he spent his last 18 months doing all he could to raise funds to help others.

Sunderland legend Quinn said: “I feel privileged to have met Sir Bobby, let alone to have contributed in a small way to his Foundation and the lesson I have taken from my involvement is that it’s not what you have, it’s what you leave behind.

“Sir Bobby may no longer be with us, but he left behind an incredible legacy and a remarkable team. Reaching £5m is a brilliant achievement, a testament to the deep generosity and tireless efforts of so many people.”

Today Lady Robson, her sons, and cancer patients benefiting from the Foundation’s outstanding work will meet at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre to celebrate the football hero’s legacy.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Room 203, Cheviot Court, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN.